Greetings from Latvia

In the interest of saving all the welcoming folks some time and energy, I'm going to keep this relatively short.

I hail from Latvia, am 27 years old, male, first got into pipes by way of a little tobacco shop in Nottingham (UK) during my studies at a university. Got lured in one sunny summer day by the enticing sights, sounds and smells of the culture, bought a petite Butz Choquin churchwarden on a whim and liked it. However, life was a tad too hectic at the time and cigarettes, unfortunately, prevailed more often then I would like to admit. Some years passed, I moved back to Latvia, life slowed down and the urge to transition completely has finally taken root. I mark my commitment with the purchase of a Rattray's Kelpy 56, a lovely lovat, and the joining of this here community!

Last edited by Mookzen on Sun Jul 30, 2017 10:39 am; edited 3 times in total

In the interest of saving all the welcoming folks some time and energy, I'm going to keep this relatively short.

I hail from Latvia, am 28 years old, male, first got into pipes by way of a little tobacco shop in Nottingham (UK) during my studies at a university. Got lured in one sunny summer day by the enticing sights, sounds and smells of the culture, bought a petite Butz-Choquin churchwarden on a whim and liked it. However, life was a tad too hectic at the time and cigarettes, the gunksticks as I've come to regard them over time, unfortunately, prevailed more often then I would like to admit. Some years passed, I moved back to Latvia, life slowed down and the urge to transition completely has finally reached its apex. I mark my commitment with the purchase of a Rattray's Kelpy 56, a lovely lovat, and the joining of this here community !

Welcome sir and not to worry, I too smoked cigs for 40 some years only to finally give them up for the pipe and none too soon might I add.

The tobacco shop in Nottingham, was that the place that Glenn Quelch worked at?

Seems so, I just looked up an older video of his on youtube featuring an ad for a pipe from the same shop. It's called Gauntleys Of Nottingham, smack in the historical center of the city, long history, all the good stuff. I was there right around most of his time working for them it seems, according to the G.Q. site. Though to be completely honest I didn't pay much attention to people 'across the counter' back then and didn't get involved in the Nottingham Pipe Club, which is something I do regret. His face does seem somewhat familiar, we could have had some chats, it's certainly possible, maybe even probable. Thanks for bringing this up, I never knew. This almost trumps finding out that Peterson (Kārlis Pētersons) was originally from my home town in Latvia, speaking of which, I might just have to take a trip to Dublin, make my next pipe a Peterson.

Good evening Mookzen and welcome to the Brethren from one of the board's UK contingent. Gauntleys! I've shopped there (online) on several occasions. They're renowned for their own blends. Your English is superb by the way. Look forward to seeing you on the forum...

It's been like a week off cigs for me, patterns are starting to emerge. I have a mild urge to smoke after a bowl, which is to be expected given the nicotine dose I get from not inhaling. The morning rush is not quite the same, though I will definitely try to find time for a bowl to compliment coffee. Walking places in the cold of winter is another particularly tempting time and, finally, after a good meal. Though I'm completely convinced this is the way to go, a truly superior smoking experience and significantly more enjoyment to be had from the culture surrounding it.

Last edited by Mookzen on Sat Jan 31, 2015 1:51 pm; edited 1 time in total

... a truly superior smoking experience and significantly more enjoyment to be had from the culture surrounding it.

...got it in one there old chap.

Good choices with the baccy too. You've got a good mix of classics like the FVF and SL, along with one of my favourite go to smokes, MacB's 7 Seas Regular. You may also wish to try a good middle ground between aros and straight Vas too; Sammy G's Firedance Flake.Let us know how you get on...

...You may also wish to try a good middle ground between aros and straight Vas too; Sammy G's Firedance Flake.

Just read the description and some reviews, sounds very promising. It's likely going to be a while until I make another order from the US, depends on how this one turns out, but I'm looking forward to seeing whether my local tobacconists have it. One of them orders most of their stock from the company behind danishpipeshop.com, they have that blend so I think the odds are in my favor.

Stick wrote:

...Let us know how you get on...

I will gladly share some thoughts, though it might take a while for the shipment to arrive.